We know that drunk driving, distracted driving and speeding are the three most common causes of accidents. Numerous public information campaigns have been launched over the years to help prevent these dangerous driving practices. In this article, we’ll share some lesser-known causes of car accidents because they’re also important to keep in mind if you want to reduce your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured by another driver’s negligent actions, contact a local car accident attorney to discuss your legal rights and possible next steps.
8 Little-Known Causes of Car Accidents
Here are eight lesser-known causes of car accidents:
1. Stare at something interesting
Humans are naturally curious, so when a car crashes or a pedestrian does something odd, we want to stare at it to get a better look. But when we drive, we end up craning or extending our necks to get a better view as we drive past something we’re interested in. The problem is, when we do this, we also tend to slow down, which takes our eyes off the road ahead. Essentially, it’s a form of distracted driving.
2. Big feelings
When we experience strong emotions such as anger, sadness or shock while driving, it can cause significant inattention and reduce our ability to drive safely. Your focus is on your emotions, not the road. If you are very emotional, it is best to calm yourself down before driving. If something makes you uneasy while driving, pull over and control your emotions before merging into traffic.
3. Road Rage
Continuing on the topic of big emotions, road rage and the resulting driving behavior is a factor in crashes. Drivers should avoid tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, revving the engine, or slamming on the brakes. Better yet, learn to manage your frustrations along the way.
4. Wild animals and other stray animals
We don’t usually think or expect animals to run in front of our car when we drive, but it happens. In the Pacific Northwest, we all know someone who hit a deer or nearly died. It is also common for cats and dogs to escape across the road. When we make turns to avoid hitting animals, the risk of accidents is high.
5. Poor vehicle maintenance
It’s important to keep your car in good working order – especially the brakes and tires. Failure of the brakes can cause your car to hit another vehicle or hit the curb. A bald or flat tire can also prevent safe driving.
6. Diet
Fast food restaurants seem to be everywhere, and with our hectic lifestyles, it’s tempting to drive by and eat in the car on the way to our next event. It’s important to remember that eating and drinking in a car is a form of distracted driving. You never know when something hot or dirty will spill onto your lap and take your eyes off the road.
7. Poor road design
Have you noticed that changes in road design happen from time to time? Often, changes are made due to the high chance of dangerous accidents in a particular location. When roads are poorly designed, they create a significant risk of traffic accidents – a car accident attorney can assess whether poor road design was a factor in the crash.
8. Noisy children
Kids are notoriously loud, rowdy, and stressed, and they don’t necessarily behave better when they’re in the car. Young babies and toddlers may also cry or become restless in their car seats. While it’s natural to want to reassure or quiet your child while you’re driving, be sure to do so in a way that keeps your eyes on the road. If you can’t, it’s best to pull over until you can calm the kids down.
Seek Help from a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision due to the negligence of another person, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation you deserve. With the help of a lawyer, it is not uncommon to get five to ten times the payout from an insurance company. Call Tario & Associates, PS in Bellingham, WA for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney today! We have represented the residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You pay nothing upfront and pay no attorneys unless we recover your damages for you!
